Youth Charter Released for COP31 Climate Summit

Leveraging advanced climate-tech data frameworks and sustainable tech-transfer models, over a hundred young climate activists released a 20-point charter urging the integration of affected communities' realities and demands into national policies ahead of COP31. The 'Youth Climate Position Paper 2026', crafted from the demands of youth across 64 districts and the lived experiences of vulnerable populations, was officially handed over to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The charter was formally unveiled today, Tuesday (22 September), during the closing ceremony of the four-day 'Bangladesh Youth COP 2026', organized by ActionAid Bangladesh and Brighters at AKM Auditorium in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The position paper prioritizes 7 key thematic areas: climate mitigation, locally led adaptation, loss and damage with just financing, technology transfer, climate education and awareness, gender equality and social inclusion, and youth leadership in policy-making. The central theme of this year's conference was 'Paris to Antalya: A Decade of Climate Commitments and Realities'.

The formulation process incorporated feedback from youth across all 64 districts alongside marginalized communities at high risk. The charter was developed using focus group discussions, storytelling sessions, participatory mapping, community scorecards, input from victims in 7 specific critical zones, and 3 years of research across 6 vulnerable clusters.

In the morning segment titled 'Facing the Frontliners: CSOs and Experts', Supreme Court Advocate & CCJ-B Director M. Hafizul Islam Khan, CPRD Chief Executive Md. Shamsuddoha, UNDP's Sharmin Islam, UN Women's Dilruba Sharmin, and grassroots representatives participated in discussions. The session was moderated by Md. Najmul Ahsan, Youth, Resilience and Climate Justice Lead at ActionAid Bangladesh.

Later, during the 'Children's Voice on Climate' talk show, street children and youth from Happy Homes expressed their anxieties regarding climate impacts. The session was moderated by Ahmed Reza. Additionally, 19 young fellows from the 'Climate Policy Negotiation Fellowship' engaged in a mock negotiation simulating international diplomacy, discussing loss and damage, climate finance, just transition, and Bangladesh's strategic position at COP31.

During the afternoon 'In Conversation with Diplomats' segment, attending

diplomats reviewed the youth position paper and underscored active youth engagement. Discussions highlighted international cooperation, local experiences, and the necessity of youth inclusion in policy frameworks.

Addressing the event, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Fahmida Khanam, acknowledged ethnic minorities and stated, "It is impossible for the government alone to handle this global crisis. Youth can be the strongest guardians of environment protection by identifying pollution, preventing biodiversity loss, and raising awareness."

Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Climate Change, Environment and Transboundary Water Resources Division), Kazi Ehsanul Haq, noted, "Current climate decisions will shape the future of our youth. Therefore, youth must be actively involved in decision-making processes now."

Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle emphasized, "People in the Indo-Pacific are already facing climate displacement and extreme weather. Effective climate action requires joint collaboration between governments, communities, and youth, ensuring vulnerable voices at COP31."

Deputy Head of Mission at the Danish Embassy, Anders B. Karlsen, commented, "Climate change knows no borders. Joint efforts from local communities to international policy-makers are essential to bridge local realities with policy."

Maldivian High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed added, "Youth must remain at the center of climate action as today's decisions determine their future."

Grassroots youth representative Nizam Uddin from Hatiya, Noakhali, highlighted island challenges, saying, "Storms and waterlogging isolate us, breaking transport and healthcare, risking emergency patients. Adaptation policies must prioritize basic services and local safety."

Moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, the session urged presenting marginalized demands globally.

In the final session, Brighters Chairperson Fariha Omi presented the 'Bangladesh Youth Position 2026'. The charter was formally accepted by chief guest Dr. Fahmida Khanam. Presided over by Ibrahim Khalil Al-Zayad, Chairperson of ActionAid International Bangladesh Society, organizers expressed optimism that these recommendations would be integrated into Bangladesh's official stance at COP31. The event concluded with a cultural performance titled 'Youth Aspirations'.

The four-day program had commenced on September 19 with a rally from Police Plaza to Global Platform Bangladesh, followed by thematic discussions on September 20 and an international webinar on September 21, culminating in Tuesday's main closing conference.
//DBTech/JEH/SME/BPO//